The Department of Health has announced that the price for an NHS prescription in England will increase by 20p to £8.05 with effect from April 2014. It is also intended that an additional 20p increase will be added in April 2015 bring the price per item to £8.25.

The prices for 3 and 12 month pre-payment certificates has remained the same at £29.10 and £104 respectively. For anyone requiring more than 4 items in 3 months or more than 13 in a year these certificates can provide significant savings.

Other NHS charges such as for dental work, wigs and fabric supports are also being increased.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of the current prescription charge and also the value for money represented by pre-payment certificates.